Cambridge United Learning Centre (United in Learning) hosted its first ever Graduation evening in the recently refurbished Harris Suite on Thursday 13th November.
This was attended by almost 100 people comprising of Parents, Carers, Students, Learning Mentors, Centre staff, Cambridgeshire County Council Learning Team and Anthony Tonkin, a first team player from Cambridge United.
Prue Rayner, a General Inspector for Standards and effectiveness within Cambridgeshire County council, spoke of the importance of young people's out of school hours learning. She highlighted the significant impact on achievement when learning in an environment that was exciting and innovative.
In the past students have been presented with their awards in assembly back at school. This graduation evening allowed the opportunity to present prizes and CDs to all the students who had successfully completed the program in the last half term. Parents were invited into the club to participate in a few family learning activities and to witness some of the activities they had followed, which helped to reinforce what the pupils had achieved. Following this highly successful event, it is anticipated that we will continue to host graduation evenings throughout the academic year.
Many parents/carers commented on how the impact of attending the Learning Centre had impacted positively on their child's self esteem and confidence, and also improved their attitude towards attending school. Others highlighted the importance of developing their social and communication skills.
One parent whose daughter attended the six week programme said, "This is one of the first times we have seen her come home from a learning activity excited and talkative about what she has been doing."
The Centre is currently working at full capacity for its after-school 'Playing for Success' programme for the current academic year, and some schools are already on a waiting list. We even have schools wanting to book in for 2009-2010 already!
United in Learning staff are always pleased to hear from schools interested in working with the Learning Centre, and anyone interested in being a Learning Mentor or participating as a Sponsor is encouraged to contact Jez Daniel at the Learning Centre.
Jez Daniel
Centre Manager
jez.daniel.pfs@cambridge-united.co.uk
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